Letter: Michael Monrroy, Sterling

Editor: On Tuesday, Nov. 7, Latino voters throughout Loudoun County and Northern Virginia have a clear choice. Vote Ed Gillespie for Governor— vota Ed Gillespie por Gobernador! Gillespie understands us and hears us, because his detailed plan for all Virginians is focused on growing our economy, growing jobs, and strengthening our public safety—issues important to Latino voters, especially where I live in Sterling.

Ralph Northam—Gillespie’s opponent—on the other hand, has no detailed solutions for these critical issues, as made clear by his campaign website. Northam has failed the Latino community; his policies as Lieutenant Governor have created environments for gangs like MS-13 to grow in Northern Virginia. Hardworking, tax-paying, law-abiding Latino Americans are tired of these negative images being tied to our community and want to put an end to the violence plaguing our neighborhoods. Gillespie’s “Job One: Keeping Virginia Safe” plan details how to prevent and eradicate gangs like MS-13. Furthermore, on the economy, while Northam offers a vague call for a “tax reform commission,” Gillespie calls for a 10 percent income tax rate cut across the board — the first income tax rate cut since rates were established in 1972 — meaning nearly $1,300 more in the pockets of Virginians. Gillespie knows Latinos and all Virginians deserve straight talk and a serious approach to solving problems — which unfortunately are sorely lacking from Northam.

Latinos also want a governor who hears us. Gillespie personally reached out to me early in his campaign and sought my input and perspective as a young professional and bilingual son of South American immigrants engaged in the community. His Latino coalition is active and working hard every day to get out the Latino vote. He has attended numerous Latino events throughout the region and has released television ads in Spanish touting his “Cutting Taxes for all Virginians” plan. Latinos like a candidate they can relate to, one that understands the American dream. Gillespie is the son of an immigrant and learned at an early age the value of hard work in his parent’s small grocery store. Hard work ultimately took him from a parking attendant in college, to Counselor to the President of the United States. This is exactly the kind of fighter we need in the governor’s mansion.

Gillespie has shown he is willing to listen to Virginians and face our most difficult challenges head-on instead of ignoring them for political gain. The Latino community can count on a Governor Ed Gillespie to deliver for alll Virginians. He has earned my vote on Election Day.